Town Square

Atherton police union dumps Teamsters, hires law firm for labor talks

Just months before contract talks with the town of Atherton open, the Atherton police officers' union has parted ways with the Teamsters union that has represented it for years, and now is affiliated with the San Mateo County Deputy Sheriffs' Association.

Posted by Ghost of RR
a resident of Atherton: other
on Jan 7, 2013 at 1:33 pm

There is nothing per say wrong with a union, including a public sector union. It is common sensical, however, to look at unions in a different light than when they started in earnest in the 19th century. Public sector workers are objectively paid and treated much better than Pennsylvania coal miners were back then.

In the movie Wall Street 2, the main character asks the CEO of a Wall Street firm what is number is, what is enough. The CEO, played by Josh Brolin replies, after pondering for a moment, "more." It's a great scene that was acted well, and certainly served as an indictment of the "1%."

But the origins of this quote are actually with the first large American union leader, Samuel Gompers of the AFL, in the late 1800's.

Mr. Gompers wanting "more" might have been more appropriate back then than it is now. That fact alone might be a result of unions, but it is still a fact.

Posted by Observer
a resident of Atherton: other
on Jan 7, 2013 at 1:48 pm

Is it merely a coincidence that this law firm was the same firm working so hard last November/December 2012 to delay the resolution approving salary benefits for all unrepresented employees so that the new Council composed of Weist (and the APOA backed Lewis) could change it? And now they will represent the police? Meanwhile the police ditch the Teamsters in an effort to try to improve public perception?

Could it be that the original resolution contained provisions the police did not want to see in their new contracts? Was the immense support of two candidates and the delaying tactic all part of an effort to retain all-too-favorable contract provisions out of whack with those of other cities and economic realities?

Perhaps "appearances" are obscuring honest and considered responses to these critical questions.

Posted by WhoRUpeople
a resident of another community
on Jan 7, 2013 at 2:39 pm

It looks, smells and quacks--it is a duck. Observer nailed it, it is what the electorate wants in Atherton,however, so let it be done--I'll just be sure to avoid driving through the town limits. I just wish they wouldn't let their private security force/pet sitters/caretakers carry real weapons. Scarey.